The star said he was "just trying to open a door" between the nations but refused to say if President Donald Trump was aware of his trip.

He told reporters: "Well, I'm pretty sure he's pretty much happy with the fact that I'm over here trying to accomplish something that we both need."

The former NBA player touched down in the country on Tuesday afternoon and gave reporters the thumbs up.

Former NBA basketball player Dennis Rodman arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport as he leaves for North Korea's Pyongyang (Image: REUTERS)

Rodman gave thumbs up to reporters when he arrived (Image: REUTERS)

Rodman on the way to North Korea (Image: REUTERS)

A North Korea official told CNN that the star is expected to stay for four nights before leaving on Saturday morning.

According to CNN, the US State Department said they were aware of the trip but that it was not an official visit.

He wants to try and bring sports to North Korea (Image: AFP)

The US State Department said they were aware of the trip (Image: AFP)

Rodman's visit is not an official one (Image: AFP)

"We wish him well. But we have issued travel warnings to Americans and suggested they not travel to North Korea for their own safety," said US Under Secretary of State Thomas Shannon, according to Reuters news agency.

"My purpose is to actually to see if I can keep bringing sports to North Korea, so that's the main thing," Mr Rodman told reporters.

Dennis Rodman goes back to North Korea (Image: potcoin.com)

The star hopes to 'open the door' between the nations (Image: potcoin.com)

Dennis Rodman of the US waves as he prepares to check-in for his flight to North Korea (Image: AFP)

The eccentric 56-year-old declined to answer questions when he was seen by CNN reporters at Beijing International Airport.

CNN reporter Will Ripley tweeted: "When I asked North Korean officials if Rodman will meet with Kim Jong Un, they replied "It's not up to him, it's up to the Supreme Leader."